Slot machine incorporating an image capturing device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A system and method of one or more electronic gaming devices having image capturing devices integrated therein is disclosed. The image capturing devices capture a player image and place the image into a primary or bonus game facilitated by the one or more electronic gaming devices. In one version, the captured image is placed on video reels of each slot machine forming a bank of slot machines. In this manner, players play a game of chance with their own image and images of other players integrated therein. The images may also be depicted on a display device associated with a bank of electronic gaming devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic gaming device (e.g., slot machine). In one embodiment, an image capturing device in, on or adjacent to a slot machine captures an image of a player which is then used on the slot machine or affiliated slot machines as part of the game.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming devices, like slot machines, now account for over 60% of gaming revenue in casinos. Accordingly, new slot machine concepts are in increasing demand to satisfy the gaming public. Recent successful slot machine advances include large progressive jackpots, high resolution video graphics and bonus games.

In particular, bonus games are now associated with a majority of the slot machines in the marketplace. For example, the Wheel of Fortune slot machine includes a bonus game in the form of a numbered mechanical wheel. The bonus game, namely the wheel, is activated in response to pre-established primary game outcomes. Other bonus games comprise video-implemented games, ball-hoppers and player-selected outcomes.

Even though there has been an influx of new slot machines and bonus games, the new concepts and features are of a common theme and do not add to the overall excitement level of slot machine play.

Thus, there is a need for a new and exciting slot machine concept. Advantageously, the new concept should include player participation to enhance the game playing experience.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of conducting an electronically-implemented wagering game comprising: utilizing an electronic gaming device to facilitate a game of chance; capturing an image of a player of the electronic gaming device via an image capturing device integrated into, onto or adjacent to the electronic gaming device; and placing the captured image into a video-based portion of the game of chance and optionally any electronic gaming device affiliated therewith.

A system embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or more affiliated electronic gaming devices for facilitating games of chance, said one or more electronic gaming devices having at least a processor, random number generator, memory, display, one or more user interfaces and an image capturing device, said image capturing device positioned to capture an image of a player playing the one or more electronic gaming devices; means for transmitting the captured image of the player to all affiliated electronic gaming devices; and means for incorporating the captured image into the games of chance facilitated by said affiliated electronic gaming devices.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a bank of slot machines and a corresponding bank display device which utilizes the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a captured image integrated into a video slot machine primary game; and

FIG. 4 shows a captured image integrated into a video slot machine bonus game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The operation of slot machines is controlled by microprocessors which communicate with internal memory devices and the external features of the machines. The microprocessors also incorporate, or communicate with, a random number generator which ensures the randomness of the machines' outcomes. In the embodiments of the present invention, one or more processors, along with memory and related devices, control the new applications disclosed herein. Therefore, the embodiments, along with the corresponding odds, of the present invention may be programmed into the processor or associated software. Since the technology for operating and controlling slot machines is well known to those skilled in the art, the subtle details are not described herein.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

Although a slot machine is used to describe the embodiments of the present invention, it is conceivable that the embodiments may be utilized with other gaming devices including video poker machines, keno machines and bingo machines.

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a slot machine for facilitating the embodiments of the present invention generally referred to by reference numeral 100. As shown the slot machine 100 includes three video game reels 105-1 through 105-3, depicting game indicia 110 on a machine display 115. The reels may also be mechanical with video portions integrated therein. One or more pay lines 120 are used to determine winning outcomes. While three game reels 105-1 through 105-3 are shown, the number may be more or less. The slot machine 100 further includes player interface buttons, including a one coin/unit wager button 125, maximum coins/units button 130, spin button 145 and cash out button 150. Each of the buttons may be touch screen icons on the video display 115 as well. The machine 100 also includes a coin input 155, card reader 160, credit display 165, slot arm 170 and currency and coupon reader 175.

Optionally, the slot machine 100 further includes a topper 180 for facilitating a bonus game. The bonus game may be facilitated by video means solely or in combination with backlit graphics.

As shown, an image capturing device 200 can be integrated into the topper 180, or an image capturing device 200′ may be secured to the topper 180 or elsewhere on the slot machine 100 or an image capturing device 200″ may be secured adjacent to the slot machine 100 and linked thereto by means of a wired or wireless connection. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the image capturing device may be positioned anywhere in, on or adjacent to the slot machine 100. Ideally, the image capturing device 200 is a digital camera or video camera, but any type of suitable image capturing device may be used. The image capturing device 200 is positioned to capture a photo or video clip of the player's face. In one embodiment, the imaging capturing device 200 is triggered by a motion sensor 205 aimed at head-level of the chair corresponding to the slot machine 100. The sensor 205 should have limited range to prevent it from activating when patrons walk past the slot machine 100. Like the image capturing device, the sensor 205 may be integrated into the topper 180, attached to the topper 180 or positioned adjacent to the slot machine 100. In another embodiment, the image capturing device 200 is triggered in response to currency, coupons or a player card being inserted into the slot machine 100. Ideally, the player authorizes the players facial image being used via a display device and keypad 210 on the slot machine 100. Accordingly, in one embodiment, once the player inserts currency, coupons or a player card, the display device 210 shows a message requesting that the player approve the use of his or her facial image by, for example, pressing “1” for approve and “2” for decline. Most new slot machines have the display device and keypad 210 positioned above the reels 105-1 through 105-3. The same procedure may be used by means of touch screen technology associated with the slot machine display 115 such that the player simply presses a “Yes” or “No” icon as prompted on the machine display 115.

Once an image is captured, image software analyzes the image to determine if it is acceptable. The image software determines whether the content (e.g., face of the player) and the clarity of the image are suitable for the embodiments of the present invention as described in more detail below. If the software determines that the captured image is not acceptable, the image capturing device 200 is activated a second time to capture a new image. Besides clarity and assuring a facial image, the software may also reject as unacceptable any captured images involving vulgar gestures or activities by a player. The image capturing process may be repeated any number of times as determined by a casino. Once an acceptable image is captured, it is temporarily or permanently stored in a memory or storage device. The memory device may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard drive memory or any suitable type of storage or memory. The memory device may be integrated into the slot machine or may be associated with a bank of machines or a central storage device associated with all machines in a casino or multiple casinos. Depending on the casino and/or the player, the image may be stored temporarily until it is integrated into a casino game or may be stored in a player database for use during subsequent game sessions by the player.

If the image is stored for use during a subsequent gaming session, the player may be prompted to accept use of the image at the subsequent gaming session or may be prompted to allow a new image to be captured. Again, this may be accomplished using a small display device or touch screen technology.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a bank 250 of slot machines 100-1 through 100-6 is shown. The bank 250 includes a bank display 260 for displaying a game name 265 associated with the slot machines 100-1 through 100-6, jackpot information, including a progressive jackpot amount 270, if any, and any other information deemed appropriate. With the embodiments of the present invention, the bank display 260 may also include player locations 275-1 through 275-6 for displaying player images 280-1 through 280-6 as captured by the image capturing devices 200-1 through 200-6 positioned within, on or adjacent to the slot machines 100-1 through 100-6 forming the bank 250. The player locations 275-1 through 275-6 provide a mechanism for players, and others, to observe the images displayed prominently in the casino. In one embodiment, the images randomly change locations after a brief pre-established period of time (e.g., 30 seconds). If certain of the machines 100-1 through 100-6 are unoccupied, the corresponding player locations 275-1 through 275-6 may be left blank or may display a message like “Your Face Here” to attract additional players to the bank 250.

Besides utilizing player images 280-1 through 280-6 on the bank display 260, captured images 280-1 through 280-1 are utilized in the games being facilitated by the machines 100-1 through 100-6. In one example, as shown in FIG. 3, a captured image 280 is integrated into a primary game as video reel image symbols 290. In practice, a pre-established number of reel symbol positions on each video reel 295-1 through 295-3 are designated as video reel image symbols. That is, the position on the video reels being occupied by the video reel image symbols 290 is programmed into the game such that the designated video reel image symbols 290 are factored into the game pay table. Ideally, the designated video reel image symbols 290 should correspond to various winning outcomes to enhance the player experience. For example, three aligned player images may correspond to a first jackpot and three aligned player images of the same player may correspond to a progressive jackpot. Any number of primary games may be developed using the embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, faces of stored friends playing on linked machines appear on the user's game reels. Such an embodiment provides a camaraderie among friends playing the same game or system. In another embodiment, faces of players winning jackpots are automatically displayed on linked machines to alert everyone that the jackpot was won and by whom it was won.

As shown in FIG. 4, the captured images 280 may also be used in a bonus game 300 associated with the slot machine 100. Once again, ideally, the captured images 280 should be used to determine winning bonus outcomes to maintain player excitement. For example, a wheel can be divided into a number of sections with certain sections depicting captured images 280-1 through 280-6. The wheel then spins until it stops with a pointer identifying a certain section. If the identified section depicts the player image, a bonus award is provided. Any number of bonus games may be developed using the embodiments of the present invention.

While FIGS. 2-4 show the captured images on either the bank 250, primary game of the slot machine 100 or the bonus game 300 of the slot machine 100, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the captured images may also be used on any combination thereof.

An image captured by a first electronic gaming device may be transmitted to a central location (e.g., server) that then transmits the image to affiliated devices in the same bank of devices or multiple banks of devices utilizing the embodiments of the present invention. Alternatively, the image captured at a first electronic gaming device can be transmitted directly to each affiliated electronic gaming device. Affiliated electronic gaming devices can be any electronic gaming devices in the same bank, multiple banks, casino or multiple casinos or any combination thereof desired by the casino. While the description herein focuses on an image capturing device incorporated at or proximate the gaming machine, in other embodiments photos may be downloaded online or uploaded via a link to the central server.

The operation of the image capturing device, image software, transmission of the image and the incorporation of the image into the bank display, primary game and/or bonus game may be controlled by each local slot machine processor and/or the operations may be controlled by a remote processor or controller, such as a central server, or any other computer-based hardware and/or software configuration.

While a slot machine is used above to describe the embodiments of the present invention any electronic gaming machine may benefit from therefrom. For example, in a video poker game, the captured images may be placed on random playing cards such that the use of the random cards in a winning poker hand, results in an enhanced payout. In an alternative example, captured images may be positioned on an electronic keno or bingo card such that those spaces become bonus spaces.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. 

1. A method of conducting an electronically-implemented wagering game comprising: utilizing an electronic gaming device to facilitate a primary game of chance; capturing an image of a player of the electronic gaming device via an image capturing device integrated into, onto or adjacent to the electronic gaming device; and placing the captured image into a video-based portion of the primary game of chance and optionally any electronic gaming device affiliated therewith.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing the captured image into said primary game.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing the captured image into a bonus game facilitated by the electronic gaming device.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing the captured image on a video reel associated with the electronic gaming device.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing the captured image on a display device associated with a bank of electronic gaming devices.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising storing the captured image for future use.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising capturing the image in response to a player inserting money or a player card into the electronic gaming device.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing means for allowing the player to accept or decline an image being captured.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising enhancing game payouts in response to the captured image forming part of a winning game outcome.
 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising capturing the image in response to receiving a signal from a motion detector in, on or adjacent to the electronic gaming device.
 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising evaluating a quality of the captured image.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising capturing a subsequent image if the captured image is not of a pre-established quality.
 13. A method of conducting an electronically-implemented wagering game comprising: utilizing a bank of electronic gaming devices to facilitate at least one of a primary game of chance or a bonus game of chance; capturing an image of a player at any electronic gaming device forming part of said bank of electronic gaming devices, said image captured via an image capturing device integrated into, onto or adjacent to each electronic gaming device forming the bank of electronic gaming devices; and placing the captured image into a video-based portion of the primary game of chance, bonus game of chance, or both, associated with each electronic gaming device forming the bank of electronic gaming devices.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising triggering said image capturing device in response to a player inserting money or a player card into the electronic gaming device.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising providing means for allowing the player to accept or decline an image being captured.
 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising capturing the image in response to receiving a signal from a motion detector in, on or adjacent to the electronic gaming device.
 17. The method of claim 13 further comprising evaluating a quality of the captured image.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising capturing a subsequent image if the captured image is not of a pre-established quality.
 19. A system comprising: one or more affiliated electronic gaming devices for facilitating games of chance, said one or more electronic gaming devices having at least a processor, random number generator, memory, display, one or more user interfaces and an image capturing device, said image capturing device positioned to capture an image of a player playing the one or more electronic gaming devices; means for transmitting the captured image of the player to all affiliated electronic gaming devices; and means for incorporating the captured image into the games of chance facilitated by said affiliated electronic gaming devices.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the one or more electronic gaming devices further include a motion detector operable to trigger the image capturing device.
 21. The system of claim 19 further comprising software for evaluating the quality of the captured image.
 22. The system of claim 19 wherein the image capturing device is in, on or adjacent to a corresponding electronic gaming device.
 23. A slot machine comprising: at least a processor, random number generator, memory, video display, three or more video reels, one or more user interfaces and an image capturing device, said image capturing device positioned to capture an image of a player playing the slot machine; and means for incorporating the captured image of the player on the one or more video reels.
 24. The slot machine of claim 23 further comprising a motion detector operable to trigger the image capturing device.
 25. The slot machine of claim 23 further comprising software for evaluating the quality of the captured image. 